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Budhanilkantha Temple
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Landmark
Budhanilkantha Temple, located at the foot of the Shivapuri Hill on the northern outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley, is a remarkable Hindu temple. Its central feature is an impressive, five-meter-long statue of the god Vishnu, reclining on the coiled rings of the serpent Shesha. The statue, carved from a single block of black basalt stone, appears to float in a 13-meter-long, sunken pool of water. It is believed to date back to the 7th century, during the Licchavi period. The name 'Budhanilkantha' means 'Old Blue Throat', a title actually associated with Shiva but attributed to Vishnu here. A legend states that the kings of Nepal were forbidden to visit this shrine, as they were considered reincarnations of Vishnu, and seeing their own image would lead to their death. The temple is an active place of worship, especially during the Haribodhini Ekadashi and Kartik Purnima festivals in autumn.
- Location: Nepal
- Top sights: Budhanikantha entry gate · Surya Chaur · Gurje Bhanjyang(gurje)
- Nearby: Kageshwari-Manohara (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr–Jun.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 9 | 15 | 20 | 31 | 71 | 128 | 219 | 193 | 127 | 37 | 4 | 5 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Budhanilkantha Temple is an open Hindu temple that is freely accessible. You can view the large black stone reclining Vishnu statue up close, but you may not enter the water basin.
Typical hours
The temple is usually open from morning to evening, the best time to visit is early morning. On festival days like Haribodhini Ekadashi, hours are extended.
Photography
Photography of the statue from outside is allowed, but flash should be avoided. Photographing priests or offerings is only allowed with their permission.
Time needed
A typical visit lasts about 30 to 40 minutes. Add extra time to see the surrounding smaller shrines.
Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park. The Kopan Buddhist monastery is also a short drive away.
Getting there
The temple is at the foot of Shivapuri Hill, about 20 kilometers north of Kathmandu. You can reach it by taxi or by local bus from the Kathmandu bus station.
Insider tip
Visit the temple on a Saturday when many locals come and the atmosphere is especially lively. Bring flowers or fruits as offerings, available at the entrance.
Geography
Facts
- Statue: 5-meter long reclining statue of Vishnu.
- Material: Single block of black basalt stone.
- Age: Presumably from the 7th century (Licchavi period).
- Location: At the foot of the Shivapuri Hill, Kathmandu.
- Pool: The statue lies in a 13-meter long pool of water.
- Name: Means 'Old Blue Throat', although it depicts Vishnu.
- Royal Prohibition: Nepalese kings were forbidden to visit.
- Festivals: Important center for Haribodhini Ekadashi.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Budhanilkantha Temple (8)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about Budhanilkantha Temple?
It houses a huge, reclining statue of Vishnu in a pond.
Is the place sacred?
Yes, it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Kathmandu region.
Can one touch the statue?
Visitors are not allowed to step into the pond, but it is well visible from outside.
How to get there?
Best by taxi from Kathmandu city center.
How long does the visit take?
A visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Budhanilkantha Temple: where is it located?
Budhanilkantha Temple is located in Nepal.
Budhanilkantha Temple: what is there to see?
Highlights include Budhanikantha entry gate, Surya Chaur, Gurje Bhanjyang(gurje).
Budhanilkantha Temple: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Jun.
Budhanilkantha Temple: why is it worth visiting?
Budhanilkantha Temple, located at the foot of the Shivapuri Hill on the northern outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley, is a remarkable Hindu temple.
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